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Spanish Navy receives AB-212 helicopter

Sener and Babcock have delivered the fourth upgraded AB-212 helicopter to the Spanish Ministry of Defence, Sener announced on 4 August.

The delivery is a part of a modernisation project to extend the lifespan of seven AB-212 helicopters by at least 15 years. The fleet has been in service since 1974.

The helicopter has been delivered to the Rota Naval Base in Cádiz, Spain, where it has joined the already three upgraded aircraft which are operational.

Two further aircraft will undergo the upgrade, along with the prototype which is being used for development and certification purposes, for delivery between 2017 and 2018.

The AB-212 upgrade involves full replacement of the electrical systems and a digitised cockpit. It also includes new functionalities such as radar, GPS navigation, night vision system, protection and self-defence systems.

The upgraded AB-212 can be operated without restriction in controlled military or civil airspace and in compliance with all the requirements of new regulations.